GOP prepares for possible state House vacancy

Wednesday

May 1, 2013 at 4:56 PM

Speculation has already started as to who will replace one of Davidson County's locally elected state representatives.

BY NASH DUNNThe Dispatch

Speculation has already started as to who will replace one of Davidson County's locally elected state representatives.Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson, is expected to be approved for a position with the N.C. Utilities Commission and start his new job July 1. Dockham, who has held his House seat for 23 years, was nominated to the position by Gov. Pat McCrory and still has to be approved by his peers in the General Assembly.If he is approved, the Davidson County Republican Party must choose his successor, per election laws. Party chairman Lance Barrett said word is already spreading, fast."I've already received phone calls from people who are interested," Barrett said. "When the vacancy occurs, it's our job as a party to find the person with the best résumé and best qualifications for that position."Whoever fills the expected vacancy would serve the 80th District throughout the remainder of Dockham's term, which ends in 2014."Whoever is appointed to this position will have to turn around and defend their seat in the Republican primary in 2014," Barrett said.Real estate broker Dick Johnson and elementary school teacher Christy Jones are two possible candidates who could fill the expected vacancy. Both lost to Dockham in the Republican primary last year.Barrett said unlike congressional positions, state representatives must live in the district they serve. The 80th District encompasses most of eastern Davidson County. Dockham lives in Denton."Half the county does not qualify," Barrett said.Once Dockham's position is vacated, the state will send official notice to the Republican Party chairman. The party will make a recommendation to the governor, who will have seven days to make a decision on the appointment, said Ruth Huneycutt, director of the Davidson County Board of Elections.Barrett said when the party is officially notified about the vacancy, it will solicit letters of interest and résumés from prospective appointees. There will not necessarily be an interview process, he said.Dockham, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, has served the county extraordinarily well, Barrett said."Jerry Dockham is our most senior elected official," Barrett said. "Now that the Republican Party controls the state House, Senate and gubernatorial seat, it was really nice knowing we had that veteran, senior leader representing our county. He was No. 2 in the Legislature. Losing that is a loss, and while we hate that part of it, we are very happy for Jerry and happy that the governor is recognizing him for that position."Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.